-Naoto Shirogane's room-
It was finally the weekends. Naoto woke up in a messy daze. She walked up to her desk and checked the time. 9:00am
"I won't be late."
She noticed the empty pink container with baby panda decorations on it sitting on her desk.
Of course she finished the remaining portion of Kanji's delicious meal. She would have to ask him what he used to marinate the chicken. The rest would be easy to prepare. The detective picked up the container and placed it in her bag.
I did say I would return it when I see him again.
It had been 2 days since she asked for Kanji's advice in building up her physique. Although Kanji more than willingly agreed to help, she felt that he lacked confidence for some reason and displayed unusual signs of nervousness whenever talking to her.
It's Kanji. If something is troubling him, I am positive he will tell me or the others. Or maybe I should ask him if something is wrong...
Today's plan was to meet up with Kanji and the investigation team at the beach at noon. This was a good time since it wouldn't be too cold. Swimming was a great form of exercise to raise your endurance.
And I do need to raise my endurance in order to be physically capable as a detective! Naoto told herself.
However, she seemed to have lacked a swimsuit that would fit her. The detective sighed.
"This is no surprise to me...I have not gone swimming since I was a child."
There was still time. Naoto decided to make a quick stop at Junes. Surely they must have swimsuits there.
-Junes department store-
Yosuke noticed a certain tiny blue-haired detective entering the department store.
"Yo! Naoto! What brings you here?"
"Hello Yosuke-Ku-*Ahem*...Greetings Yosuke, I am looking for a swimsuit."
Yosuke gave Naoto a mischievous smile.
"In that case, let me help you! I know the perfect swimsuit that would match you."
"You can help me by pointing me to the direction of the swimsuits, however, I WILL be picking my own swimsuit out."
Yosuke scratched the back of his head.
"Aw geez. Fine…"
Yosuke led Naoto to the clothing department, and pointed to the swimsuit area for women.
The prince of Junes winked at Naoto.
"Well. Good luck! Just ask me if you need help with anything!"
"I appreciate it, but I believe I will be fine." With that said, Yosuke went back to his shift.
Naoto easily found a one piece swimsuit that would cover her entire upper body. It was the type of swimsuit female athletes wore in the Olympics. She made her purchase and walked out of the clothing department.
"N-Naoto..."
Naoto stopped walking, she had found herself in the produce department and Kanji was there with a large watermelon in his hands. Naoto was surprised.
"It must be a coincidence to meet you here Kanji...That is quite a large melon. Were you planning to bring it on our trip to the beach?"
"Nah, It's too much of a hassle to carry to the beach. It's more for myself...Hey, is that a swimsuit?"
Kanji noticed the piece of clothing in Naoto's bag and blushed. Naoto responded.
"Indeed it is. I had no swimming garments at home suitable for going to the beach. So I had to purchase a new one."
"S-So, Does this mean I get to see you in a s-swimsuit?" Kanji gulped.
"..." Naoto was silent. Now that he mentioned it...I don't want anyone to see me in a swimsuit! The detective spoke.
"No...um, I might not go swimming after all...I'll just play volleyball in my normal getup..."
Kanji was letdown. Naoto in a swimsuit… He kicked the thought out of his head for now.
The detective spoke again.
"Oh! It may be good fortune that I have run into you here Kanji."
Naoto took out the pink container out of her bag and handed it to Kanji. The tall male quickly swiped it and placed it in one of the large pockets in his jacket. He was embarrassed by the design of the container.
"Th-Thanks for returning it."
"And thank you for the meal. I will definitely prepare my own cuisine for you in the future to show my gratitude."
Kanji blushed.
"I'm so looking forward to it…"
Suddenly...A certain bear shouted.
"Kanji! Oh and Naoto-baby is here too!"
A familiar mascot was running toward the two teens. Naoto closed her eyes and smiled.
"It seems Teddie has graced us with his presence."
The bear was as energetic as usual.
"Hi guys! This bear is bear-y excited for a trip to the beach! I'll finally score with all the ladies!"
"I highly doubt that's likely to happen." Naoto gave Teddie a grim look.
"Yeah, good luck with that...It didn't work out for you at the night club-"
Kanji was suddenly reminded of the horrors of the King's game. He shivered.
Teddie continued to beam at his friends.
"Don't worry! This bear is prepared! After Yosuke is done with his work, we're going to meet up with everyone at the usual place!"
Naoto spoke.
"We will accompany you there."
"Naoto-baby! I'm bear-y delighted to hear that! Would you like to give this bear a kiss as well? Even a quick peck?"
"No. But I am positive Kanji can fulfill that duty again." Naoto replied, then she looked at Kanji and smirked.
"Wha!? N-No!" Kanji sprinted away from the two.
"Smoochie-Smoochies Kanji!" And the perverted bear sprinted after Kanji.
The detective got a good laugh out of that.
Unfortunately, As soon as everyone arrived at the Junes food court, it suddenly started to rain hard. The leader of the investigation team decided they would have to postpone their trip to the beach. Everyone said their goodbyes. Naoto sighed, she didn't bring her umbrella with her.
Kanji approached her and spoke.
"Hey, let's go."
Naoto looked to her side and saw Kanji holding his large jacket over the two of them.
"I-I'll walk home with you again." Kanji spoke, then he blushed and looked in the other direction.
Naoto was concerned.
"I feel guilty. You do not have to trouble yourself with escorting me back home...and trying to keep me dry..."
Kanji insisted he would take her home.
"It's no trouble at all! My day is free anyway since we ain't going to the beach. And we still don't know who the culprit is…"
Naoto had to agree with that statement. They were unable to arrive at the conclusion on who the real killer was, which meant there was still a murderer on the loose somewhere in Inaba. The latest victim was actually the detective herself.
Naoto smiled and spoke with sincerity.
"Okay. I suppose it would be best to take you up on your offer. This way, we will both be safe traveling together. I am also concerned for your safety as well Kanji. It would be unfortunate if anything should happen to any of my friends. I do care about the team."
Kanji's face became red. She cares about m-me?!
"Y-Yeah? Um, uh. Thank you..."
[Kanji feels his friendship with Naoto has strengthened. The bond between the Emperor Arcana and Fortune Arcana has raised to Level 5!]
"Let us be on our way Kanji."
Kanji gulped and the two walk toward the Shirogane residence.
-Shirogane Residence-
The rain has not stopped pouring. In fact, It seems to be getting worse.
Naoto was at the entrance to her home. She glanced at Kanji. The tall male would have to walk back to his home in the rain…
She had to be considerate.
"Kanji, Would you like to settle here for the time being until this heavy rain dies down?"
Kanji was shocked.
"H-HUH?! Yeah! I mean-I-I-don't know!"
"It is just until the rain dies down...unless you are in a rush to get home…"
Kanji responded.
"I told ya before, my day is free since we ain't going to the beach..."
Naoto nodded and spoke.
"Feel free to enter my house then. You can stay until the rain stops."
Kanji gulped and nodded. They both entered the pint-sized detective's home.
-Meanwhile-
"Oh my god! This time Kanji is entering Naoto's house!"
Rise exclaimed out loud. Yu was holding an umbrella over their heads. There were only three members of the investigation team "spying" this time. Teddie spoke,
"Senpai! Do you think Kanji is going to score with Naoto-baby!?"
Rise spoke,
"Of course they won't! Not with how oblivious Naoto is! And Kanji needs more courage!"
Teddie was disappointed
"Aww, that's no fun. This bear didn't even get to see the ladies in a swimsuit…"
Rise was quite curious herself.
"You're right...I have never seen Naoto in a swimsuit. She always dresses like a boy...but, I think it actually suits her. What do you think Senpai?"
Rise and Teddie are looking at Yu. It seems they are waiting for a response.
1: "I would love to see Naoto in a swimsuit."
2: "Actually, you would look better in a swimsuit Rise."
3. "Actually, Kanji looks the best in his speedo."
End